Sit Down, Then Stand Up for Cancer

Despite all the hair-pulling cat fights, wallet-burning divorce settlements, and ridiculous rehab meltdowns heard the world over, we have seen more than ever that celebrities can do much more in front of a camera than pose. This Friday September 5, 2008, however, the stars will check their egos at the door and line up at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood to use their camera time for good. The event, called Stand Up to Cancer, will be a celebrity studded affair where viewers can call in and speak to their favorite actor, singer, or sports figure while donating to cancer research.

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has formed a special collaboration with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) to produce this eventful evening. For the executive producer and nonprofit organization founder Laura Ziskin, a cancer survivor herself, this cause hits home and she is proud to have so many high profile names backing her foundation, "There will be laughter. There will be tears. And you'll learn something about how we can turn the outcome of this disease if we just set our minds to it."

The Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) website continually plays their Public Service Announcements creating awareness for the cause. One PSA has former MTV correspondent Carson Daly sharing the story of his mother's diagnosis with breast cancer minutes before going on the air. Another PSA shows a cartoon stick figures putting their dukes up over research grants while the voiceover says, "Since 2003 the government's cancer research budget has been cut every single year. This lack of funds pits scientists against one another and stifles new treatments from getting to patients quickly. So rather than just sit around and wait for the system to change Stand Up to Cancer looks to take matters into our own hands." Preview television commercials that have been airing in recent weeks on NBC show the likes of Morgan Freeman, Rob Lowe, Rainn Wilson, and Christina Ricci "standing up" in coffee shops, train stations, parks and on the set.

Also described as "a phone-in, a sit-in, a love-in," Ziskin says, "The support we've received from the creative community is remarkable." A group of eager songstresses even collaborated on a song just for the event called "Just Stand Up." The song by powerful women like Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Rihanna, Fergie, Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood, and Miley Cyrus, among others debuted exclusively on iTunes this week to spark interest in the television special.

The all-star lineup includes appearances by over 60 well known figures willing to take a stand against cancer. Beyond the musical talent from "Just Stand Up"appearances by Jennifer Aniston, Lance Armstrong, Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Jack Black, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Garner, Diane Keaton, Sharon Osbourne, Keanu Reeves, Salma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, America Ferrera, Meryl Streep, Charlize Theron, and Forest Whitaker to name a few, are using their status to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. If you'd rather not call in to donate, you can join the online community on the SU2C website and with a minimum donation of $1 you can add a star to the Stand Up to Cancer constellation and name a virtual star after a loved one or friend who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Also scheduled to attend will be People’s cover girl from the last few weeks, ABC’s Samantha Who? actress Christina Applegate, who publicly announced her recent breast cancer diagnosis and her brave decision to have a double mastectomy in order to prevent the tumors from returning. Tonight's telethon will be aired commercial free starting at 8 PM with three top networks and anchors teaming up to bring you an hour of live coverage: ABC and Charles Gibson, Katie Couric and CBS, and NBC with Brian Williams will be keeping you informed. Although Friday night is date night, I urge you to save gas by staying home, sitting down, tuning in, grabbing the phone, and standing up for cancer.